The United States has denied visas to Ivory Coast supporters planning to attend the World Cup, according to the president of the national supporters' committee. Julien Kouadio Adonis, head of the National Committee of Elephants Supporters, confirmed the development on Thursday.
Visa Restrictions Hit Fans
The World Cup, which begins on Thursday, has been overshadowed by the visa policies of the host nation. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry on Sunday, and some support staff for the Iranian team have also been barred. The CNSE, which operates under the Ivory Coast Ministry of Sport, organizes trips for traveling fans. Kouadio stated that supporters have canceled their travel plans because the US government refuses to allow fans from certain countries, including Ivory Coast, to enter.
Impact on Supporters
“The supporters have canceled the trip because the US government does not want to see supporters from certain countries, including Ivory Coast, on its soil. The United States has been clear with us, saying they do not want to see our supporters,” Kouadio said. “This situation hurts us deeply because it prevents us from fulfilling our sacred duty, which is to support our team.”
World Cup Schedule
Ivory Coast will play two of their three group matches in Philadelphia: against Ecuador on June 15 and Curacao on June 25, with a trip to Toronto to face Germany in between. In March, Kouadio had hoped 500 fans would travel. He said a few CNSE officials have been authorized to travel to the World Cup to assist Ivorian supporters already in the US. The CNSE estimates more than 1,000 fans will attend the matches.
